The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agency." The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

"Annual tuition rate." The in-State tuition rate, including a technology tuition fee, established or approved by May 1 of each year by the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education.

"Approved institution of higher learning." An educational institution offering a postsecondary program of education located in this Commonwealth and approved by the agency.

"Approved program of education." A degree-granting or certificate-granting curriculum, course of study or training required for entrance into a specific career to be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis or its equivalent as determined by the agency, at an approved institution of higher learning.

"Benefit." The Military Family Education Program grant which shall be given to an eligible member's assigned family member who has complied with all of the requirements provided for under this subchapter.

"Certificate of eligibility." A certificate from the department that certifies a family member's eligibility for a Military Family Education Program grant.

"Costs of attendance." Allowable educational expenses, as determined by the agency, that are consistent with the administration of the act of January 25, 1966 (1965 P.L.1546, No.541), referred to as the Higher Education Scholarship Law.

"Eligible member." A member of the Pennsylvania National Guard who has completed an initial service obligation in the Pennsylvania National Guard and is eligible to reenlist in the Pennsylvania National Guard for a period of six years or, if a commissioned officer, is eligible to serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard for an additional six years.

"Family member." A dependent of an eligible member who is enrolled in the United States Department of Defense's Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System or would be eligible to enroll in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System if the eligible member had not been discharged from the Pennsylvania National Guard.

"Full-time student." A family member enrolled in an approved institution of higher learning pursuing an approved program of education equal to or greater than 12 credit hours per semester or its equivalent that is recognized by the agency as a full-time course of study.

"Fund." The Military Family Education Program Fund established under section 3210.10 (relating to Military Family Education Program Fund).

"Part-time student." A family member enrolled in an approved institution of higher education pursuing an approved program of education of less than 12 credit hours per semester or its equivalent that is recognized by the agency as a part-time course of study.

"Promissory note." A written contract signed by a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard in which the member promises to repay the awarded Military Family Education Program grant amount.

"Technology tuition fee." A separate tuition fee established by the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education for rendering technology resources and services to enhance student learning experiences.